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Waymarked trails
Polmaddy Settlement Trail
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a traditional Galloway farming village abandoned over 200 years ago. It is a beautiful setting in the lee of the Rhinns of Kells.
This trail winds among the ruins of the historic village, which stands in a picturesque loop of the Polmaddy Burn. Look out for the village inn, water mill, millpond and corn kilns beside the old pack road and pilgrimage route that led from Strathclyde to Whithorn. There are interpretation panels on site to tell you more about the settlement’s fascinating history, and you can download this leaflet to help you explore.
The mill has royal connections – the Scottish King, Robert the Bruce, found refuge in the village shortly before his first victory against the English at Glentrool in 1307. In gratitude, Bruce later rewarded the miller and his wife with the freehold of the mill!
¾ miles / 1.1 km
Allow ½ hour
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